With a renewed commitment to prioritizing wellness in 2026, I am delighted to share a curation of exquisite essentials—both the latest innovations and enduring favorites—that seamlessly blend self-care and beauty. To kick off the new year, I’m highlighting a few exceptional contenders: a small-batch French serum, an icon-in-the-making black lip balm, a powerhouse supplement and a delicious floral tea that shines in hydration and heart health. May they delight, restore and satisfy, and may you have a wonderful new year!
THE ESSENTIALS
Le Balm, Solid Serum by Bonjout Beauty
bonjoutbeauty.com
Le Balm is an award-winning solid and super concentrated serum that touts eight uses in one product: serum, treatment salve, moisturizer, eye cream, night cream, lip care, primer and overnight repairing mask. Rooted in French pharmacy expertise and developed by French pharmacist Natacha Bonjout, it is fantastically hydrating and soothing and also tightens the skin like a natural facelift. It is infused with 68 carefully selected and clinically reviewed concentrated actives, notably with 1.5 million native stem cells from hibiscus and prickly pear to promote collagen production, enhance skin barrier function and prevent dehydration. It only took one use for me to absolutely fall in love with the effects of my baby-soft skin and improved complexion. Take my word: This French approach to skincare is not one to miss.
The Black Lip Balm by Finding Ferdinand
Reminiscent of ’90s fave Black Honey by Clinque, this lip balm serves up hydration and a buildable touch of color with the years of improvements in skincare advancements and additions of non-toxic nourishing ingredients. Although the price point is higher-end, it’s a new holy grail product for me, and I brought six as gifts for a favorites party back in December. I love that while the color is sheer, it is rich, and can easily transform from a light daytime look to a more pigmented nighttime shade. It feels amazing on my lips and I love the scent. Two scents are available, Mixed Berries (which I have) and Chocolate.
Creatine with Taurine+
mindbodygreen.com
You may have heard buzz about the benefits of creatine, and if you haven’t, lean on in, because it’s a game-changer. I’ve tried several forms of creatine, and found my favorite to be from mindbodygreen, where creatine is paired with taurine in a flavorless (although there is a flavor option) powder. Creatine and taurine work synergistically to improve athletic performance and absorption. Together, brain and heart health are also supported and cognition is improved. I love the added energy and focus I feel while taking it, and it easily blends without taste into both flavored drinks and water. Anyone wanting to support and combat age-related decline should consider the benefits of this widely studied supplement.
Hibiscus Tea, @coffeecctx
C.O.F.F.E.E. | 5830 McArdle Road UP4
Did you know that hibiscus tea packs a stronger antioxidant punch than matcha? Among beverages, it actually leads in studies for highest antioxidant content as it offers anti-inflammatory effects and lower blood sugar benefits. It is heart-healthy, can lead to a decrease in fat absorption and protects cells from damage. The high vitamin C content also supports beautiful skin, and since it’s caffeine-free, it is naturally calming. It is a perfect warm drink to end the day with, although I also enjoy it iced with lemon. If you’re on-the-go, stop by C.O.F.F.E.E., a gorgeous new coffee shop that will brew a fresh cup of hibiscus tea and pour it over ice for you. I also keep a good stock of Pique Hibiscus Beauty Elixir to make at home.
